This striking plan of Quebec City was published in Universal Magazine just four months before the city was besieged by the British during the French and Indian War, in the lead-up to the Battle of the Plains of Abraham. The map illustrates why Quebec was such a challenging city to take, showing the shallow waters of the eastern shore, its numerous cliffs, and its extensive fortifications in great detail. Its palace, teaching hospital, seminary, Jesuit college, and citadel also appear. An inset depicts the Battle of Quebec, when the British, under the command of Sir William Phips, attempted to take the city in 1690. As a direct result of this battle, the French strengthened their fortifications so that in the future the city would be able to defend itself better against a large-scale attack. A compass rose incorrectly orients the north to the left; the north is actually oriented to the upper right.

References: Jolly #UNIV-74; Sellers & Van Ee #602.

Condition: B+

Issued folding, now flattened with light toning and a few minor spots.